Mailbag! Diet Hack Slashes Arthritis Pain 61%
By
Natalie Moore
Posted June 1, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
You’ve got questions…
We’ve got answers!
Arthritis pain, especially in the knees, can be one of the worst parts of aging. And it can make doing the things you love nearly impossible.
And the worst part — your doctor only offers risky drugs and excruciating replacement surgeries to stop your pain.
Fortunately, a new study published in The BMJ (British Medical Journal) shows there’s an easy diet hack that can help you beat knee pain without ever stepping foot in your doctor’s office.
Let’s dive in…
Hi Natalie,
I have arthritis in both my knees. I’ve tried every painkiller out there and I can’t seem to get lasting relief. A friend recently told me that sometimes changing your diet could help ease your arthritis pain. Do you know if this is true? If so, what kind of changes might help?
Thanks!
James K.
Great question, James. Lots of folks suffer from arthritis pain.
And while you’ve probably heard that everything from going gluten-free to dropping dairy can help with arthritis, there’s one surefire way to slash your knee pain up to 61%.
I’m talking about fiber.
For years, researchers have known that fiber helps fight obesity and reduce inflammation — two of the key drivers behind arthritis.
Because of these powers, researchers recently decided to test fiber’s powers against arthritis pain.
For the study, scientists spent nine years tracking the medical records and eating habits of more than 1,200 older folks who were already suffering from or were at risk for knee osteoarthritis.
After crunching all the numbers, the scientists found something incredible…
Folks who ate the most fiber had a 61% lower risk of experiencing knee pain, swelling and stiffness from osteoarthritis.
This study focused on knee osteoarthritis, but it would make sense that upping your fiber intake could help quell arthritis in other part of your body.
Experts believe fiber is so effective because of its prebiotic properties. Prebiotics help promote good gut bacteria growth, which in turn helps reduce levels of inflammation.
You can get more fiber in your diet by eating foods like beans, leafy greens and root veggies.
A good place to start is with a high-fiber cookbook like The Essential High Fiber Cookbook: 40 High Fiber Foods to Make Your Mouth Water. Click here to check it out.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Older adults might be able to stave off arthritis knee pain with fiber
[2] Fiber-rich diet linked to lowered risk of painful knee osteoarthritis
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...